Now in its third year, the Waterloo-Wellington Hunt (ON) Peller Estates Wine Ride is one of the club’s most popular fundraising events, with all money raised going to support the club’s hounds. Despite having such a wet summer in Ontario this year, the sun shone down on 40 horses and riders as they enjoyed good company, beautiful scenery, outstanding wines and a spectacular meal, while raising over $3,500 for the hounds.

Forty riders came out to support the hounds at Peller Estates Winery. Photo by Alison Gittins.

Riders were treated to a stirrup cup and toast to hosts Jeff Peller and family on the Peller Estates Winery lawn. After a photo shoot to commemorate the occasion, the ride took participants down lovely scenic trails, past Fort George National Historic Site, down the Niagara Parkway trail along the Niagara River to Riverview Cellars Estate Winery, where riders were treated to taste a variety of wines, paired with meats and cheeses.

Next on the tour was a stop at Frog Pond Farm Organic Winery, where the hospitality continued, with riders being presented various wines to taste, and snacks to keep rider’s appetites at bay until the next meal.

And what a feast it was! Back at Peller Estates, we were treated to a delicious three course gourmet meal created by Chef Jason Parsons. This consisted of a pickled beetroot, goat cheese and arugula salad and potato and black kale soup for the starter, choice of either spring salmon or angus beef striploin for an entrée, and a bittersweet ganache bar for dessert (with all courses being paired with an appropriate wine from Peller Estates, of course).

Many thanks to the wineries for their hospitality, Alison Gittins for capturing the day in beautiful photographs, and Jeff Peller and family for being such wonderful hosts and for putting this event on. It’s already on the calendar for next year!

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